Computer hackers had bypassed Breeze card security features to make counterfeit cards. The personal information of legitimate Breeze fare card holders was not compromised.

MARTA is advising its customers to only purchase Breeze fare cards at vending machines in MARTA rail stations, at MARTA RideStores or online.

MARTA Police Chief Wanda Dunham said the investigation has identified suspects who have since been charged with theft, fraud and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, also known as RICO. The suspects, all of whom reside in the metro Atlanta area, were booked at the DeKalb County Jail.

“We take these crimes very seriously and will continue to investigate each and every case thoroughly,” Chief Dunham said. “We are working closely with the DeKalb District Attorney’s office and will seek to ensure that those involved are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Tier One modernizes 300 stops along two of GRTC’s busiest routes with each stop receiving upgrades that include new flags with clearly visible route and bus stop numbers as well as eye-level, easy-to-use printed schedule and map information.

The 8.3-mile route, with a proposed 27 stops, would replace the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s current Route 1 from downtown Lansing to the Meridian Mall. Results from the plan’s environmental assessment study are expected to be shared at a public hearing this fall.